E-9 Visa to F-2-6 Visa

It’s been a long time since my last post. I thought I’d be holding a raffle or something to celebrate my “blogversary” last March. Unfortunately, I’ve been busy ~ and still is. Last year, I posted about how an EPS worker or a holder of the E-9 visa could apply for the E-7 visa so that he/she would have the chance to become a resident in Korea.

A few months ago, I learned that an acquaintance used to have the E-9 visa but was able to change it to the F-2-6 visa. This is a resident visa given to skilled workers. Current E-9 visa holders may apply for this visa, although the requirements are steeper than for the E-7 visa.

1. Those who are employed with the E-9, E-10 or H-2 visa at the time of application.

2. In the past ten years, has worked for at least 3 years in the manufacturing, construction, agriculture and fishery sector

3. The average annual wage earned in the past two years should be more than the annual wage of the workers in Korea (34 million won).

4. Shall have assets of 20 million won or more within the past year (cash in bank, investments, key deposit)

5. Must be at least 20 years old.

6. Korean language level: TOPIK 3 or KIIP 4

Required Documents:

1. Documents that can prove that the deposit balance of more than 20 million won over the past one year has been maintained, a copy of real estate registration book worth more than 20 million won

A copy of the real estate lease agreement or other document that the Minister of Justice recognizes as equivalent to the document certifying that you or your family members have a livelihood.

2. Documents that can prove the past employment activity such as certificate of employment and certificate of career. However, exemption can be granted if it can be verified through immigration information management system.

3. Documents to prove that you are going to be employed in a field that corresponds to your current status of residence, such as a certificate of employment expectation, a standard labor contract, etc.

â€» Applicable industries of the “Technical Skills Qualification”
â€» If there is no ‘Technical Skills Qualification’ then proof of employment in the same industry for 3 years in the past 10 years

5. Documents that can prove wage income such as receipts withholding from earned income (payslip)

6. Proof of Korean Language Proficiency Test (less than 2 years)

Ineligibility: those who cannot apply for this visa

1. Those who have the following facts in violation of the Immigration Control Act within two years from the date of application:
~ The fact that a fine of more than 1 million won was confirmed
~ The fact that the notification of disposition of more than 1 million won or the disposition of fine
~ The fact that the notice of disposition of three or more times or the disposition of fine
~ The fact that you have not paid any penalties or penalties imposed